street level and court apts.

As a kid on Bryant ave,it seemed like most of those apts. housed a man or women of some high age.It seemed like they hid behind the window and waited for someone to pass.Then this P/O ed face popped up and tapped hard on the glass.Of course ,kids learning this,brought more grief to the poor person.Sure a non walk-up was great for them. But I get the feeling that they were always in that apt..Was it just my block??